18th Century Aprons from Historic Paintings

Today’s post isn’t about food, but it is an important topic when studying 18th century cooking – the lowly apron. We will be looking at utility aprons and not those beautiful sheer works of art worn by upper class women. The reader will kindly note that girls’ aprons were little different from those of their older counterparts.

1. “Market Girl” mid to late 18th century. Notice the pinner apron barely visible underneath her cloak. The cloak appears to be heavy, most likely wool.
2. Housed in the Walters Art Museum. The working woman wears a red apron which looks as if it might have a patch in the lower corner. She wears what is probably a dark petticoat and jacket underneath the apron, a white cap, and neckerchief. Cookware and vegetables are worth notice in this kitchen scene. She has a raised brick stove with tiles on the wall behind.